New laminate sails for the 411
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 411
Forum Description: 411 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7157
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:51
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New laminate sails for the 411
Posted By: samba
Subject: New laminate sails for the 411
Date Posted: 26 December 2012 at 12:49
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Hi All, I am thinking about new sails (main plus jib) for our 411 and want to move from Dacron to Laminate for performance reasons. I want to use them for performance cruising since I do most racing on another boat. I have a few questions and I know this has been discussed a lot but I can't find the posts. 1. What is the best all-round forsail? I have a new selftaking sail and and old 135% genua. I am thinking of a 105% front sail in addition. 2. Is is easy to extend the genua tracks in case I won't be using the selftacker. I have the short ones. 3. What is the best material for laminate sails for performance cruising. 4. Should I go for a full battened main? Thanks, Michiel ------------- Samba - Hanse 411 - Bruinisse |
Replies:
Posted By: Lothlorien
Date Posted: 28 December 2012 at 11:41
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Hi Michiel, 1) I have added a 105% front sail including tracks on the roof. I think it is the best option to enlarge the front sail area and it gives you a smaller tacking angle. If more is needed, I can switch to a Code 0 (12 knots at the most). 2) I found it quite easy to extend the genua tracks. In my Hanse there is an aluminum board within the deck, so I could attach the extensions to it (by the way, you can see my boat on pontoon L during the season  )3) I guess there are quite some alternatives. I chose silver tape from UK-Sails, but there are others which are as good as that. It is important to have extra protection layers on both side as we are cruising and not racing. This makes the sail more durable. 4) Full battened mains are also more durable. So this was my choice. It has less possibilities to trim the sail, but I have not missed this. Ralf |
Posted By: paul_heinz
Date Posted: 29 December 2012 at 07:09
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Hi Michiel, 1)on our 400 we have the 105% Jib installed on the roof. The 400 has dedicated aluminium backingplates build in. In June I was visiting a 411 with enlarged Genuarails. Also with this installation it was possible to go very close to the wind. And the sail is closer to the deck and give some additional power. If you go for a 105% you should go for maximal roach with vertikal battens. The battenpockets should be reinforced as the often hit the mast. 3)Our sails are made by Gaastra (dynamix custom laminate) in Brouwershaven. As the Sailpower is very strong it is with the strongest Vectran structure reinforced. Twan Hanse measured very careful and the sail is perfect. 4)For the mainsail I would also suggest the fullbattened Version. It is easier to handle and with cockpit traveller, cunningham etc. easy to trim. I made some pix of the 411 improvements, if you like to get these send me a pn. Paul Heinz Port Zélande |
Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 29 December 2012 at 10:59
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Hello Paul and Ralph, Thanks for the great feedback. Any pictures would be great. Are your boats still in the water since i will drive by both bruinisse and port zelande soon. Greets, Michiel ------------- Samba - Hanse 411 - Bruinisse |
Posted By: paul_heinz
Date Posted: 29 December 2012 at 19:06
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Hi Michiel, we sail during the winter in the Grevelingen Wintercup. Next date will be on 13th January. We are sailing in the tourclass (without spinnaker) as we are most times only doublehanded. Uploading pictures is a somewhat to big miracle for me in the forum. If you send an PN with a mailadress I´ll email some pics to you. Paul Heinz |
Posted By: Lothlorien
Date Posted: 31 December 2012 at 08:19
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Hi Michiel, my boat is stored by Van Ast in Brouwershaven. If you like to see it, you are welcomed. It is stored in the middle of the leftmost section. I will be in the hall on saturday and probably next saturday too. From the end of March the boat will be in Bruinisse again. Ralf
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Posted By: silversailor
Date Posted: 03 January 2013 at 20:04
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Michiel, I've just spent several months looking at available options for a new performance cruising main for my 370. Although all the sail lofts I contacted were in the US, some were international (Doyle, North, etc). Afetr a while I found that about half were quoting the same sail, as if it was made by them. In fact, it was coming from the China Sail Factory, a high tech company that only sells to sailmakers. Today, most sailmakers are really "sail designers" who send their specs to a manufacturer. I ended up ordering a CAL Vectran main with 2 reefs, top two battens full and bottom 3 battens partial (about 2/3rds). Take a look at www.islandplanetsails.com. They have a very interesting article on the China Sail Factory and I chose them for my new main. ------------- Silversailor South Haven, MI USA S/V Legacy 2010 Andrews 28 |